Burfict named AFC Defensive Player of Week; Bilukidi in fold

The Bengals linebacker has been recognized by the NFL for his efforts in Sunday's 41-20 win over the Browns.

Bengals linebacker Vontaze Burfict has been named by the NFL the AFC Defensive Player of the Week.

In the team’s 41-20 victory over the Cleveland Browns on Sunday at Paul Brown Stadium, Burfict recorded 18 tackles (15 solo) and one pass defensed, as well as one forced fumble that he recovered himself and returned 13 yards for a touchdown. His 18 total tackles against the Browns is the most by a Bengals player this season, topping the previous mark of 17 he set himself on Oct. 20 at Detroit.

Through 11 games, Burfict leads the team with 146 total tackles. He has led the team in tackles in eight of those games, and tied for the lead in another contest. On the season, Burfict also is tied for the team lead with two fumble recoveries, and he is tied for third on the team with seven passes defensed.

This is Burfict’s first Player of the Week award. While he is the third Bengals player to earn the Player of the Week award in 2013, he is the first to win the defensive honor since defensive tackle Geno Atkins won the award for his performance in last season’s Week 16 victory at Pittsburgh.

Also earning Player of the Week awards this season were quarterback Andy Dalton (Offense, Week 6 at Buffalo) and wide receiver Marvin Jones (Offense, Week 8 vs. N.Y. Jets). Dalton also won the AFC Offensive Player of the Month Award for October.

Bilukidi was a sixth-round draft choice of Oakland in 2012 and played in 13 games, with 12 tackles. He played in Oakland’s first five games this season, with four tackles, including a sack. He was waived by the Raiders on Oct. 23 and then signed with the Bengals on November 4. His contract was voided by the NFL later that day because as a Canadian citizen, Bilukidi did not have proper documentation to work in the United States. The NFL said the work permit Bilukidi had with the Raiders before he was waived didn't transfer.

The Bengals subsequently signed Randall on Nov. 5. He was active but did not play for the last two games.

Everyone saw it coming, but it still didn’t make it any easier Friday when the Bengals released one of their more versatile players and valued leaders across the defensive front and around the locker room in 11-year veteran Robert Geathers.